Why don’t you buy music anymore?

Ok, so now, it’s 2009, record labels have gone through some really tough times during the last 9 years or so. Seems like as soon as Napster emerged, NO-ONE (including myself) wanted to buy music! I mean, how many of you can honestly say you have never heard a song you liked on the TV/Radio, and plugged the info in the Napster search box? Unless your over 60 years old, if your answer is “Never” then your a liar, and if your telling the truth, then I simply don’t want to believe you! haha!
But the Napster era (the free Napster) has long gone, limewire has taken it’s place, but seems to be filled with viruses, and the Ipod evolution has thus began! Still, people are finding ways to download music for free, to the point that record stores are becoming old news. Artists that once sold 3/4/5 times platinum, are barely going gold! Ringtones are selling more than albums, and many artists are fleeing long term contracts for Independent Labels; I mean, your better off making 50% 100,000 sales, then making 12% off 100,000 sales, and paying back upfront costs, while still being contractually obligated to deliver 3 more albums!
But back to the topic. Why don’t you buy music anymore? I’ve heard excuses like, “there is only 2 good songs on album” or “music doesn’t sound like it used to,” and they are all legit responses, but we now live with sites like Itunes, and Rhapsody that allow the buyer to listen, and select the songs they enjoy. The price? One dollar per download! Don’t want to spend a dollar, there are many profile pages in myspace/facebook, etc that will allow you to donate a monetary amount! Download all 15 songs for $2 if you like! If you support musicians, how? Do you go to their shows? Do you buy their merchandise? I ask this, because many artists have resorted to giving their music away in hopes that they can simply get your attention. It’s a daring move, but is it really working?

~ by creamofbeats on June 12, 2009.